The Nigerian Army has announced that it will dispose of unexploded ordnances recovered from the site of the 2002 Ikeja Cantonment Bomb Blast in an exercise code named “EXERCISE CLEAN SWEEP”.
The Director, Army Public Relation, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja that Exercise Clean Sweep commenced on Oct. 10.
He said the clearance exercise had reached an advanced stage, resulting in the recovery of various calibres of unexploded ordnances, which would have to be professionally and safely disposed of.
Nwachukwu said that various calibres of unexploded ordnances recovered during the exercise would be professionally and safely disposed at the Nigerian Army Range in Owode, Ajilete, Ogun on Friday, Oct. 27 from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
He said the disposal was in line with the exercise plan, as earlier highlighted during the inauguration press briefing and Flag Off by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
“Accordingly, there will be movement of unexploded ordnances from Ikeja Cantonment to Nigerian Army Shooting Range, Owode, Ajilete in Ogun.
“The detonation of the explosives will produce a loud bang that would be heard from far and near during the exercise,” he said.
Nwachukwu, however, urged members of the general public, particularly residents of Owode, Ajilete and its environs, not to panic.
He advised that they should go about their normal and legitimate businesses, as the sound of the explosion would not raise any security concerns.
He also appealed to farmers and farm owners within and around the perimeters of the Nigerian Army Shooting Range, to steer clear during the period of the exercise.
“The Nigerian Army assures the general public that necessary cautionary measures have been placed to guarantee safety of life and property throughout the duration of the exercise,” he added. (NAN)
